Yeah. I didn’t want to go there. But have you ever felt that you should be further along? Did you ever think that you’re having to learn the same lesson over again, and again?
It happens so regularly that it’s predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God’s commands, but it’s pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.
Romans 7:21-23 MSG
In Romans chapter 7, Paul is upfront and honest about his struggles, giving a clear picture for us of our human condition. In our own efforts to be good, we struggle and fail. God, in his mercy, doesn’t leave us helpless.
You said to me, “I will point out the road that you should follow. I will be your teacher and watch over you. Don’t be stupid like horses and mules that must be led with ropes to make them obey.”
Psalms 32:8-9 CEV
God is our guide and our teacher. Still, he is not ignorant of what he is up against. Our salvation is bought and paid for, but all of what that means for our lives in the here and now, is still working its way through us. God is patient.
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:8-9 NIV
We are impatient. We want the waving of the magic wand, the remedy of a magic pill, or the fast-food-drive-through version of a quick-fix.
Your faith will be like gold that has been tested in a fire. And these trials will prove that your faith is worth much more than gold that can be destroyed. They will show that you will be given praise and honor and glory when Jesus Christ returns.
1 Peter 1:7 CEV
Our faith is refined like gold, because it is more valuable to God than anything we can offer him. The refining process comes in various forms—trials, corrections, and discipline.
For whom the Lord loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights.
Proverbs 3:12 NKJV
Our reaction to the process is predictable. It ruffles our feathers. We throw a tantrum. But in the end, we see God had the best intentions.
Now all discipline seems to be painful at the time, yet later it will produce a transformation of character, bringing a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who yield to it.
Hebrews 12:11 TPT
God knows yielding is not in our nature. He knows we get discouraged, and exhorts us to encourage each other, and keep going, keeping our eyes fixed on him.
Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in.
Galatians 6:9 AMP
Every day, he leads us forward.
The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.
Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!”
Lamentations 3:22-24 NLT
Though I stumble, though it feels like I’m going through remedial life lessons, I know God is with me. He is patient, loving, and faithful. And Father knows best.
Grace & Peace,
Sandy
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